Alcohol and Fibroids
If you drink alcohol, you may wish to consider its impact on your health. We know that excessive alcohol use has been tied to chronic health conditions like high blood pressure, liver disease, cancer, and heart disease .
When it comes to alcohol and fibroids, there may also be a link. An article published in Current Molecular Medicine 2020 found that alcohol consumption alters the levels of various hormones, growth factors, and cytokines which can lead to an increased risk for fibroid disease. However, more research is needed to determine a direct causal relationship.
If you are suffering from the effects of uterine fibroids, we want you to know that help is available. Along with making certain lifestyle changes, visiting a fibroid specialist can help you find relief from painful and inconvenient symptoms. If you are avoiding the doctor because you fear surgery, you may want to explore the benefits of a minimally invasive fibroid treatment called Uterine Fibroid Embolization.
Below, we discuss the relationship between uterine fibroids and drinking alcohol.
Does Drinking Alcohol Cause Fibroids?
The causes of uterine fibroids are not entirely understood. However, it is widely believed that many factors are involved, including genetics, hormones, other growth factors, and a substance called Extracellular Matrix (ECM).
Your lifestyle choices may also affect the development and growth of fibroids. For instance, you may be at increased risk if you:
- Are obese
- Have high blood pressure
- Are Vitamin D deficient
- Regularly drink alcohol or caffeine
- Eat red meat often
- Eat a diet low in fresh fruits or vegetables
- Are dehydrated
In terms of alcohol and fibroids, a research study focusing on women of African-American descent in the U.S. found an association between fibroids and current consumption of alcohol, particularly beer. Another related study also suggests the involvement of alcohol intake in the initiation or early growth of uterine fibroids.
You should be aware that age and race can also impact your likelihood of developing fibroids. Women of childbearing age are more likely to develop them; women of African-American descent are disproportionately affected.
COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE CAUSES OF FIBROIDS
Can Drinking Alcohol Affect Existing Fibroids?
Although more research is needed to determine whether alcohol causes fibroids, there is reason to suspect that drinking alcohol can impact existing fibroids. One reason for this involves alcohol’s interference with hormone production in the body.
As discussed previously, one likely cause of fibroids is hormones. When hormone levels are high, such as during pregnancy, fibroids tend to grow. After childbirth or menopause, fibroids often shrink. If alcohol consumption results in excessive hormones in the body, fibroid growth may occur.
Drinking too much alcohol can also lead to inflammation and impact your immune system. Excessive drinking can also affect the growth of your fibroids.
Does alcohol affect fibroids? There does appear to be a link between alcohol and uterine fibroids. If you have fibroids or are at risk for developing them, we recommend limiting your alcohol consumption.
Drinking Alcohol and Increased Fibroid Pain
Some women report increased fibroid pain after drinking alcohol. Alcohol can cause dehydration, which is believed to increase some fibroid symptoms like bloating, constipation, and symptoms of anemia. Proper hydration can help ease these issues.
As your fibroids grow, you are more likely to experience pain and discomfort after drinking alcohol. When alcohol and fibroid pain becomes problematic, we recommend avoiding or cutting back on alcohol. Additional lifestyle modifications may also help reduce painful symptoms and prevent additional growth.
If your fibroid symptoms are becoming more severe or painful even after making changes to your alcohol consumption, hydration, and other lifestyle choices, it may be beneficial to seek treatment from a fibroid specialist. We recommend consulting a fibroid specialist if you:
- Are limited in your daily or social activities because of heavy bleeding or pelvic pain
- Have to plan your day around being close to a restroom
- Are buying and using an excessive amount of tampons and pads, or having to layer them to prevent bleeding through your clothing
- Constantly worrying about bleeding through your clothes in public
- Absent from work due to pelvic pain, pressure, or cramps
- Are wearing pants larger than your normal size due to a protruding belly or abdomen
- Are unable or afraid to wear white or light-colored clothing due to heavy bleeding
- Taking a lot of over-the-counter pain medications
We specialize in a minimally invasive treatment called Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) that can alleviate fibroid symptoms. While UFE has been proven to be safe and effective for the treatment of uterine fibroids, at USA Fibroid Centers we aim to educate about all available fibroid treatment options, both surgical and non-surgical.
It’s very important to talk with a fibroid specialist and discover personalized recommendations about available treatment options before making any treatment decisions.
Schedule a UFE Consultation With USA Fibroid Centers Today
If you are experiencing fibroid symptoms like heavy bleeding, severe cramps, frequent urination, or low energy, we want you to know that help is available. At USA Fibroid Centers, we specialize in performing a non-surgical, outpatient procedure called Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE). UFE can shrink your fibroids, alleviate painful symptoms, and quickly get you back to normal daily activities.
Our leading fibroid specialists offer Uterine Fibroid Embolization at dozens of state-of-the-art center locations across the country. For your convenience, you can choose to book a telemedicine appointment for your initial consultation. If you have questions about scheduling, insurance coverage, or anything else, please feel free to give us a call at 855.615.2555.
We don’t want you to suffer from severe or distressing fibroid symptoms any longer. When you are ready to explore your treatment options and improve your life, schedule an appointment with one of our experts.
